One new face in the Chatham Town Womens team since the summer is full back Lucy Jones who crossed the Thames in a bid to help Keith Boanas’ side attempt to reclaim the National League South place they lost last season.
Following her move to Kent from Billericay Town, Jones has already become a popular figure at the Bauvill and has been speaking to KSN about her move and the remainder of the season for her new team as the Chats return to League action this weekend welcoming Ashford Town (Middlesex) to Medway.
“Being in training before the season started,” Jones told us, “I am not surprised with the standard of play that we have got with the performances that we have put out as there has been a couple of games where we haven’t shown ourselves probably in the best light and realistically looking at the quality in the squad, we should be winning the games.
“If you look at the League standings from last season the side didn’t get too many points and were relegated, but we have started this year with a really refreshed attitude with a new outlook as a Club.”
“I wasn’t here last season, so it is a whole new group of players bar a couple who I have played with in the past, but the players who went through relegation from tier three, they know what we do here and how the feel is about the Club and what they can bring to it, I think that dropping down may have given them a “rocket up the bottom!”
“The potential is massive; the quality of players is above this level; I do think that we could be competing comfortably in the tier above to be honest with the squad that we have got and then with the youngsters coming through as well.
“Faith (Gilson), Serena (Saleen) outstanding players and still more who haven’t been involved yet, recruitment wise we have done really well over the summer and I do think that we have brought in the right people for the team and what is needed.
“It feels like a real Club environment and a real team and that goes from the staff to the players, I know it’s a cliche to say that everyone gets on, but everyone does get on; there are no clicks, it’s just a comfortable environment!”
“We have had a lot of new players come in so it has taken some time for things to gel and it will finding a solid eleven, thirteen even, it will take time, but I do think that we could win the League, I don’t see why we can’t do that; FA Cup we’ve got a home draw on Sunday week so why not Round Two or Round Three or even further obviously depending on a favorable draw. When I was at Billericay we played quite a few Championship sides, and it was just a good occasion really, which is nice, they are the kind of games that you look back on.”
Always with a smile on her face, Jones admitted, “I just enjoy it! Everyone takes time out of their day, their weekends, two or three times a week for training after work which is worse when you are knackered and you have to come here and enjoy it, and if I can come here and put a smile on others faces, then it’s partly my “job” I think as its part of everyone to make sure that its inclusive and enjoyable environment!”
Images courtesy of Allen Hollands